Clay County Fair Announces Cancellation of Blue Ribbon Showdown
Spencer, Iowa — The Clay County Fair has announced that tonight’s Blue Ribbon Showdown at the Grandstand on Friday, September 18, has been canceled due to unsafe track conditions and the weather forecast for tonight.
The safety of participants, officials, staff, and fans remains the top priority. After assessing track conditions and the weather outlook, Fair officials have decided to cancel tonight’s event.
Fans who purchased Blue Ribbon Showdown tickets with a credit card will automatically receive a full refund to the card used for purchase. Please allow 5–7 business days for the refund to appear in your account.
Fans who purchased tickets with cash or check may receive their refund by stopping into the Clay County Fair Administration Office, located inside the Events Center, by Friday, October 9, 2026. Please have your order information ready when requesting your refund. Fans with questions may also contact info@claycountyfair.com for more information.
Tickets for the Blue Ribbon Showdown were priced at $22 for Adult General Admission and $10 for Child General Admission (ages 12 and under). All tickets, regardless of purchase location, were subject to a $3 ticketing fee, which was not included in the advertised price. The full amount paid for Blue Ribbon Showdown tickets will be refunded.
Admission to the Clay County Fairgrounds is required and is not included with a Grandstand ticket. The Clay County Fair does not offer refunds for Fair admission.
The Clay County Fair thanks fans for their understanding and appreciates their continued support of the Fair.
About the Grandstand
Bag checks are conducted at all Grandstand events. Certain items are prohibited, including weapons or firearms, outside alcoholic beverages, air horns or other noisemakers, helium balloons, glitter or confetti, glass bottles, fireworks, and illegal substances. Fair admission is not included with Grandstand event tickets. Children aged two and under may sit on an adult’s lap; all other attendees must have a ticket. Accessible seating is available; each guest in these areas is allowed one companion.
About The Clay County Fair & Events Center
Rooted in Tradition, the Clay County Fair and Events Center is a year-round facility that annually hosts more than 200 events, including its signature event, the Clay County Fair. Known as “The World’s Greatest County Fair” since 1917, the Clay County Fair attracts more than 300,000 guests each September for nine days of world-class entertainment, competition, food, fun, and the largest farm machinery show at any fair in the United States. Additional information can be found at www.claycountyfair.com.
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